Assessment and Selection Program (A&S)
Once a Marine is qualified through the MARSOC Recruiters screening process, that Marine will be assigned to the Assessment and Selection (A&S) Program.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Prior to attending A&S Phase I, candidates are highly encouraged to follow the 10-week training guide or the Train Heroic App provided by the recruiter. At a minimum, candidates should complete the first 7 weeks of the guide to support the initial physical rigors of the program. Attaining only the minimum physical fitness standards to enter MARSOC will not guarantee success during the entire A&S process. A&S highly encourages candidate to have the ability to run a 260 or higher PFT, possess aquatic skills of WSP or higher, and be able to maintain a 4 mph (15-minute mile) pace with a 45-pound rucksack regardless of distance. During Phase I, candidates will be given the standards for each fitness screening event. Failure to meet standards will result in dismissal from the program with an invite to return.
Assessment and Selection Phase I
All candidates must attend the 2-week Assessment and Selection Phase I Course held at Camp Lejeune, NC. A&S Phase I is a comprehensive program that assesses a candidate’s fitness levels in ground and aquatic skills, provides limited classroom instruction on basic land navigation while also exposing candidates to the MARSOC Performance and Resiliency Program (PERRES). The PERRES Program provides the candidate’s information on proper nutrition and techniques to maintain overall combat fitness. During Phase I, candidates gain exposure to the units that comprise MARSOC while receiving daily mentorship by instructors who are Marine Raiders. Attending A&S Phase I does not guarantee a seat at A&S Phase II selection program, or assignment to the Marine Raider Course (MRC).
Candidates that attend Phase I are expected to score a 235 or higher on the initial physical fitness test (260 or higher is recommended). They must also possess the aquatic skill to safely, confidently and continuously swim 300 meters using the prescribed strokes (side or breast) while wearing the MCCU uniform (no boots). In addition to the 300-meter swim, candidates are required to conduct an underwater swim of 25 meters in PT gear, retrieve a rifle from the bottom of the pool, and conduct a 10-minute water tread in full utility uniform (no boots), followed by blouse or trouser flotation. Candidates will conduct multiple movements under load of 45 LBS (weight excluding MRE and water) within a prescribed standard of (4 MPH) 15 minutes per mile. Graded hikes during Phase I include a distance of 8 and 10 miles.
Assessment and Selection Phase II
A&S Phase II is both mentally and physically challenging. The program is conducted three times a year at an undisclosed location following the A&S Phase I Course.
Proper USMC Pull-Up
Assessment & Selection Preparation Program
A&S Gear List
A&S 26-3 Check-In Message
A&S Phase I Early Arrival Info Package
Letter to the Candidate
Fitness Reports & MBS Instructions
A&S Point of Contact: 910-440-1345